Mes Shahr-e Babak vs Sanat Naft - Azadegan League

A fascinating Azadegan League chapter awaits on June 2, 2026 when Mes Shahr-e Babak take on Sanat Naft at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The defender has entered the third year of his scholarship agreement, and United have hoped to tie Kukonki down to a professional contract, which was initially agreed last year.

Both camps will view the Azadegan League meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. That was the 3-2 loss to Manchester United in January of this year, which ended a 121-match run without letting in three goals.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Mes Shahr-e Babak favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Sanat Naft are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. And there are still question marks even in attack, where they have an abundance of supporting forwards including Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad Diallo, but only one out-and-out striker in Sesko.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Priske's winner against Swansea came after a set-piece found Vicente and he squared the ball for the striker.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With positions in the Azadegan League table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.